Red Wings open 2011-12 season at home vs. Ottawa

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings will open the 2011-12 regular season against a familiar face, hosting the Ottawa Senators and their new head coach, Paul MacLean, on Oct. 7 at Joe Louis Arena (7 p.m.).

MacLean was an assistant coach in Detroit for the past six seasons under Mike Babcock before getting hired by Ottawa.

The entire NHL schedule will be released on Thursday between 2-3 p.m.

Jagr updatePetr Svoboda, the agent for Jaromir Jagr, said on Wednesday that he is continuing talks with the Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and “other teams.'' He still has no time frame on a decision.

Svoboda said the talks with NHL clubs aren't aimed at trying to get a better deal from a Russian team.

“He's decided in his own mind that he's going to go back to the NHL, but you never know until we get there,'' Svoboda said. “I hope he will go (to the NHL), he hopes as well.''

While Jagr might be intrigued by the opportunity to finish his career where it started – he played his first 11 NHL seasons in Pittsburgh – he also would relish a chance to play in Detroit.

“He understands Detroit has a wonderful team, a great organization,'' Svoboda said. “Mr. Ilitch (team owner Mike), (general manager) Ken Holland, all their people are incredible.''